Look back at it! Simplicity 9598
Overview:
A cute summer dress that can carry you into fall, but it's not as simple as it looks.
Skill Level: ★★★★
Sewing Time: half a day
Pattern Rating: ★★★
Pattern:
I grabbed this pattern as soon as it hit the stores. I love a twist and this dress was a little different featuring the detail in the back. The V-neck and colorblocking option just sealed the deal for me. It's like a updated version of the well loved McCalls 6886. I can see myself making it just as many times as I've made M6886 (cough-alot).
Huge shout out to Mimi G for pushing the big four (now five! IYKYK) to increasing their sizing. S9598 is available in sizes 6-24 and the sister pattern, S9599, spans 18W-34W.
Okay, now that I've got all the positive things out, I have to say I didn't love making this dress. If you sewn anything with a knot detail before you might assume that was the issue, but that was a breeze. When looking at the pattern pieces I wondered why a knit dress needed a facing. I'm guessing because of the back knot feature you obviously couldn't have a band, but I would've preferred a simple narrow hem that could've been done prior the center front seams together. I do understand why this isn't ideal either, but it's my personal preference.
I also don't like the way the elastic is added to the top of the back skirt, though I do not have a better way to add the elastic. Also as usual the elastic guide was too long to lay flat for me even though I cut a size smaller.
All in all I love the way the dress turned out and I will be making it again, but I will be constructing it differently. Also do let this deter you from sewing this dress because, as always, Mimi has a sew along video to walk you through every step.
Fabric:
I've had this stretch African print fabric for a while, as in several years. It's double brushed poly that I picked up locally from Fine Fabrics. There were a few colorways, but I love this shade of blue. DBP has a large amount of stretch and also snappy recovery. Perhaps even better is the smooth feel and it's inability to wrinkle. It also holds color well. Truly the only downfall is it's tendency to hold in heat due to polyester's synthetic makeup.
Modifications:
None to this dress, but I will be making change to the neckline when I make it again..
Summary:
This dress is super cute, but it wasn't fun to sew.
Me waving at my neighbors
Pattern Description: Slim V-neck pull over knit dresses in two lengths have long or short sleeves, cut out back and twist detail, and features contrast layout.
Sizing: 6-14, 16-24, 18W-26W, 26W-34W
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: They weren't hard, but they were simple.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes but with the caveat to watch the sewalong.